Will social networks become a catalyst for positive world changes?

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I have often wondered if social networks will one day be a powerful catalyst for helping our world come together. I can see how it could, but I also have doubts that governments and other of those in positions of authority and power will allow it. I don't know if some of them like it that the world can actually communicate across boundaries never before penetrated by humankind.

Even in countries where attempts are made to control cyber-activities, people are still finding ways to stay connected with others...and, now that the possibility is available for that, I doubt people will "stand still" if anyone tries too hard to squelch or otherwise intrude on that capability. Indeed, recent U.S. efforts to pass SOPA and PIPA, and Europe's current efforts to pass ACTA (and likely there are, or will be others) indicate there might already be lots of uneasiness in some circles where world unity might seem like a threat of some kind.

We saw what happened in Egypt; and we know it was pretty-much coordinated and otherwise orchestrated by means of social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter. Likewise, we see similar demonstrations of unity in other areas (Libya, Syria, etc.) and social movements like the various "Occupy" venues around the globe. Social networking sites have helped make these things happen, and the opportunity for these sites to do even more is only limited by those who might have disagreement with such possibilities or otherwise dislike it that people can, indeed, become massively vocal and hard to ignore, through the power of social networking sites.